Lemon Blueberry Bars are the perfect combination of tangy and sweet, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. The bright flavors of lemon blended with the juicy blueberries create a refreshing dessert that can brighten even the dullest of days. These bars are easy to prepare and can be enjoyed by everyone, whether you’re serving them for a summer picnic or at a cozy family gathering.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 190
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 55mg
Why Make This Lemon Blueberry Bars
Lemon Blueberry Bars are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of summer year-round. They are not only delicious but are also visually appealing with their vibrant colors. The combination of creamy lemon filling and the slight crunch of the graham cracker crust creates a lovely texture that’s hard to resist. Perfect for serving at parties, these bars offer a refreshing alternative to heavier desserts, and you can feel good about indulging in them!
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Bars
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your bars bake evenly and set properly.
Step 2: Mixing
In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Mix these ingredients until they’re thoroughly blended. This forms the base of your bars. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish to create a solid crust.
Step 3: Cooking
In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of fresh lemon juice, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 4 large eggs, and the zest of 2 lemons. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries and pour this lemony mixture over the prepared crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and a light golden color appears on the edges.
Step 4: Finishing
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. After cooling, cut into bars and dust with powdered sugar before serving to give them an elegant finish.
How to Serve Lemon Blueberry Bars
These bars are delicious served chilled or at room temperature. They make a fantastic addition to any dessert table, picnic, or potluck. Serve them as a light dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprig of mint can add a nice touch for presentation!
How to Store Lemon Blueberry Bars
To store your Lemon Blueberry Bars, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will last for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag.
Expert Tips for Perfect Lemon Blueberry Bars
- For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated lemon zest.
- Don’t overmix the filling once you’ve added the blueberries. Gently fold them in to prevent them from breaking apart.
- If you prefer a sweeter treat, you can adjust the sugar in the filling according to your taste.
- Try adding a pinch of salt to the crust to enhance the flavors even further.
Delicious Variations
- Berry Blends: Substitute half of the blueberries with raspberries or blackberries for a mixed berry twist.
- Coconut Lime Bars: Replace the lemon juice and zest with lime juice and zest, and add shredded coconut to the crust for a tropical flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make these bars suitable for a gluten-sensitive diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before folding them into the batter to prevent excess moisture. -
What can I use instead of graham crackers?
You can substitute with digestive biscuits or crushed vanilla wafers for a different flavor. -
How can I tell when the bars are done?
The bars are done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle but appears mostly firm. -
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! They can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. -
How do I know if I’ve overbaked the bars?
Overbaked bars will have a dry texture. For perfect squares, keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of baking.
Conclusion
Lemon Blueberry Bars are a delightful dessert that blends sweet and tart flavors into a refreshingly delicious treat. Whether enjoyed on a sunny afternoon or as a sweet ending to a dinner party, these bars are sure to impress family and friends. They’re quick to make, easy to store, and packed with flavor. So why not try your hand at making these colorful bars? You won’t be disappointed!
Print
Lemon Blueberry Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Lemon Blueberry Bars combining tangy lemon and juicy blueberries for a refreshing dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for the crust)
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for the filling)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Mix well and press into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In another bowl, whisk together lemon juice, 1 cup sugar, flour, eggs, and lemon zest until smooth. Gently fold in blueberries and pour over the crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until set and lightly golden on the edges.
- Allow to cool completely, cut into bars, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
